BJP expected to be tend to form govt in Delhi soon

Uncertainty over government formation in Delhi might come to an end soon as Lieutenant-Governor Najeeb Jung could invite Bharatiya Janata Party, the single largest party in Delhi Assembly, to form the next government in the Capital.

Mr. Jung has reportedly sought permission of President Pranab Mukherjee to extend an invitation to the BJP. The President has sent the request to the Union Home Ministry for its opinion. Sources said the Centre could communicate its opinion by the evening as the next hearing in the case filed by the Aam Aadmi Party before the Supreme Court, challenging the President’s Rule, is listed for September 9.

The BJP and its ally together have 32 MLAs (31 BJP and 1 of Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal)) in the 70-member Assembly. Three of the BJP legislators have become Lok Sabha members, but are yet to resign from the Assembly. AAP had 28 members in the House, but its number came down after it suspended Laxmi Nagar MLA Binod Kumar Binny. Congress has eight legislators while Janata Dal (United) has one. The House also has one independent Rambir Shokeen who has extended unconditional support to the BJP.

Reacting on the developments, Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay said “though his party does not have majority, it would explore formation of a minority government if invited by the LG”. On the other hand, both the AAP and Congress have demanded fresh elections. The lone JD(U) MLA Shoaib Iqbal said he would not support the BJP.

“If its is true that the L-G has sought permission to invite the BJP. it is beyond understanding why does he want to give chance to the party which on December 12 declined to form the government with 32 MLAs and which now is left only with 29. It also shows that BJP is running away from election” said AAP leader Manish Sisodia.

Delhi Congress spokesperson Mukesh Sharma said Delhi needs “a stable elected government soon and the L-G should dissolve the Assembly and pave way for fresh elections.